For the first six weeks or so of the 2023 campaign, Anthony Rizzo was a bona fide slugger, posting a 146 wRC+. That mark was the same as crosstown cornerstone Pete Alonso, and Rizzo was a much-needed Robin to Aaron Judge’s Batman. Even in the early stretches of 2023, it was clear the Yankees were going to struggle to score, but at least we had those two.
And then, Fernando Tatís Jr.’s wayward hip collided with the side of Rizzo’s head and the first baseman wasn’t the same. He played in 46 games and was just about the worst player in baseball, with negative fWAR and a horrid 44 wRC+.